Abstract: A connector for terminating a cable comprising a buffered optical fiber surrounded by filamentary strength members and an outer jacket comprises a spring-loaded ferrule/barrel assembly, a unipartite cap and a crimping sleeve. The unipartite cap comprises a one-piecc structure having a connector end that mates with a twist-and-lock coupling apparatus, and is adapted to cooperate with the crimping sleeve to capture filamentary strength members contained within the cable at a cable-entrance end. The crimping sleeve has a first cylindrical portion which surrounds the cable-entrance end of the cap, and a second cylindrical portion, whose diameter is smaller than the first cylindrical portion, and is adapted to engage an outer jacket of the cable when critnped. A rigid sheath tube surrounds the buffered fiber within the cable so that it is not damaged during crimping, and is free to move back and forth within the cable.

Abstract: A strain relief system for the backside of a fiber optic connector has a controlled bend radius defined by the formula R=[(W+t).sup.2 /2(1-cos .phi.)].sup.1/2, where W is the rib thickness, t is the width of spaces between the ribs, and .phi. is an angle defined by comers of the ribs which engage each other at the minimum bending radius and a pivot point about which the ribs pivot relative to each other.

Abstract: A modular, multifiber connector comprising a plug and a receptacle whose outward appearance and installation is similar to a convention RJ45 jack for copper conductors. The plug includes a body having a surface with several fiber-receiving grooves, and the plug fibers terminate along an intermediate section of the grooves. The receptacle includes a housing having an opening, and a plate which is slidably mounted inside the housing. The plate is biased toward the opening and has several more fiber-receiving grooves. The receptacle fibers approach the plate at an oblique angle causing them to bend as they contact the grooves of the plate. When the plug is inserted into the opening, its forward end contacts the plate and pushes it back. As the plate retracts, the terminal portions of the fibers in the receptacle (which are not secured to the plate) become free to flex, and position themselves in the corresponding grooves of the plug.

Abstract: An end connector for fiber optic transport cables. A cable clamp received within a passageway of a housing which receives the cable is provided to hold the cable in a secured position so as to resist rotational and longitudinal forces applied to the cable. Support coupling units are provided both internal and external the equipment which the cable is to be connected to. The coupling units allow the end connector to be coupled to and decoupled from the equipment without unnecessary rotation of the end connector and cable and without having to remove the cable from the end connector. Grounding components are provided for grounding conductive members associated with the cable so as to prevent damage due to voltage surges and to prevent RF signal leakage.

Abstract: An end connector for connecting a fiber optic cable to a port associated with a piece of equipment, the cable having at least one optic fiber and at least one other support member surrounded by a jacket. The end connector includes a housing member having a front end and a rear end, the housing member defining a passageway extending from the rear end to the front end for passing the cable therethrough. A coupling unit is provided for coupling the housing member to the port. A clamp unit is received in the passageway and is adapted to at least partially surround the cable, the clamp unit being adjustable between an expanded state which accommodates movement of the cable with respect to the housing and a constricted state which fixedly secures the cable with respect to the housing. A clamp adjustment unit is provided for adjusting the clamp unit between the expanded and the constricted states.

Abstract: An end connector for fiber optic transport cables. A cable clamp received within a passageway of a housing which receives the cable is provided to hold the cable in a secured position so as to resist rotational and longitudinal forces applied to the cable. Support coupling units are provided both internal and external the equipment which the cable is to be connected to. The coupling units allow the end connector to be coupled to and decoupled from the equipment without unnecessary rotation of the end connector and cable and without having to remove the cable from the end connector. Grounding components are provided for grounding conductive members associated with the cable so as to prevent damage due to voltage surges and to prevent RF signal leakage.

Abstract: A right angle strain relief system is provided for an optical fiber cable. A fiber optic connector terminates a fiber of the cable on a longitudinal connector axis. A right angle strain relief boot extends from a rear of the connector and has a cable-receiving passage therethrough. The boot has a first leg portion and a second leg portion joined by a bend. The first leg portion is on the longitudinal connector axis and defines a proximal end of the boot coupled to the rear of the connector. The second leg portion extends transversely of the longitudinal connector axis and defines an open distal end of the boot from which the optical fiber cable extends. The boot is rotatable relative to the connector about the longitudinal connector axis. A slot is provided in the boot extending from the open distal end thereof generally to at least the bend in the boot.

Abstract: A terminating device for an optical waveguide, comprising a sleeve-like terminating member (23, 25; 271) in which an optical waveguide section (47; 229) having a coupling face ground to be plane is glued on the one hand and in which an optical waveguide (19, 21, 213) abutting said optical waveguide section (47; 229) is inserted on the other hand. Such a terminating member can be used in an optical waveguide connector (15,17; 211). In an optical waveguide connection assembly (11; 211) using such connectors (15, 17; 211), portions of the terminating members (23, 25; 271) projecting from a coupling face of the connector (15, 17; 211) are centered in a centering means (83; 299) with respect to their required radial position.

Abstract: A novel system for manufacturing a variety of fiber optic connectors which are compatible with existing connector formats, including FC, SC and ST push-pull connectors. The system includes a connector subassembly which is constructed of components common to each of the novel connector designs. The connector subassembly includes a ferrule and ferrule collar contained in a connector body, a spring biasing the collar toward the ferrule, a crimp ring for securing the strength members of the fiber optic cable to the connector body, and a boot for strain relief at the crimp location. Several different connector shells are provided for each of the connector formats, and the interior of the shells are adapted to be attached to the single connector body. In an alternative system, separate body/shells are provided which merge the common body with the different connector shells.

Abstract: A crimp sleeve, for connection of the back shell of a fiber optic cable connector with a fiber optic cable of a type including a buffered optic fiber having an encircling jacket inclusive of fibrous matter, includes a crimpable body member having first and second open ends and defining a passage between the first and second open ends, the crimpable member having first and second interior surfaces bounding the passage successively lengthwise of the body member. The first interior surface extends from the first open end interiorly of the body member and has a first radius relative to a central axis of the body member and the second interior surface has a second radius relative to the central axis of the body member of measure less than the first radius.

Abstract: A repeater access cable contains transmission members enclosed in a protective tube which is in turn covered by a sheath, and which has a free end making a connection to a splice box. The free end is equipped with a coupling fixed on the protective tube stripped of its sheath. The repeater access cable coupling screws onto an entrance of the splice box and is fixed by crimping and gluing that end portion of the coupling which remains outside the splice box onto the protective tube. The connection has application to an optical cable under-sea link.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical fiber connector for connecting an optical fiber cable including a cable core, an inner coating layer formed on the cable core, and an outer coating layer formed on the inner cable layer. The optical connector includes a ferrule to which the cable core is inserted, a first cable fixing member for fixing the inner coating layer, a second cable fixing member for fixing the outer coating layer, a connector cover having an opening, and a fastening ring provided at an outer circumference of the opening, and formed together with the connector cover as a single body. The fastening ring is fastened after the first and second cable fixing members are fitted into the opening.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable entry connector is described that facilitates integration of fiber optic cables with trunk housings of the type utilized in the CATV industry. The entry connector provides EMI/RFI shielding and weather sealing and is readily compatible with existing fiber optic cables. The entry connector may be reused and may be cycled open and closed to facilitate access to the cable. The entry connector includes a clamp assembly and an entry body that are configured to be mated in combination. The clamp assembly is configured to secure the cable within the connector and to provide weather sealing between the connector and the cable. The clamp assembly is configured to preposition the cores of the cable for insertion through the entry body and into the trunk enclosure. The clamp assembly may be readily adapted to accommodate any sized existing fiber optic cables.

Abstract: A cable joint for joining the ends of two optical fibre cables, each having a core of optical fibres (12) and a king wire (14) surrounded by armor wire (17) and an outer sheath (18), comprises an insert (20) between the core and the armor wire of each cable and a protective sleeve (38) swaged directly to the armor wire braced by the insert. The directly engaged sleeve provides a simple, efficient joint. An over-moulded cover (40) seals the joint.

Abstract: A multi-way, electro-optic connector comprises an optical fiber plug connector 1 and an electro-optic receptacle connector 100. Identical cover members 2 and 3, of the plug connector 1 define divergently curving optical fiber guiding channels 23 of at least a minimum curvature obviating transmission losses. Ferrule assemblies 5, each include an outer ferrule 25 receiving a reinforcing tube 26 and an inner ferrule 27 having slits 27a in optical fiber receiving ends and force-fitted into the reinforcing tube 26 with the core 24 received in a bore 31 of the outer ferrule as a sliding fit. Clamping collars, 9 and 10 are deformed to clamp cable reinforcing fibers 8 by assembly of the cover members 2,3. A one-piece, ganged sleeve member 130 and a retaining member 150 retain transducers 140 with leads trapped in grooves 138a,b and 139 for subsequent insertion in a main receptacle housing 110.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable connector secures a fiber optic cable to an equipment housing (e.g., a CATV equipment housing) and allow individual fibers of the cable to pass into the housing in a strain relieved condition for connection to electro-optical componentry. A strength component of the fiber optic cable is clamped within the connector body, exterior of the equipment housing, to strain-relieve the optical fibers from forces imparted to the cable, without taking up housing space. Also, the connector clamps a strength component of a protective "fan-out" tube covering the individual fibers of the cable passing from the connector into the housing, to strain-relieve the fibers from forces imparted to the fan-out tube. The clamping action is effected by progressive threaded engagement of two connector bodies.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable connector assembly includes a first tubular housing (1) and a second tubular housing (2) connected to each other by complementary threads (12) and (211). An alignment ferrule (3) positioned within the inner hollow portions of the first housing (1) and the second housing (2) is provided for enclosing and fastening an optical fiber cable (9) therein, and is associated with a coil spring (4) to provide a resilient bumper effect. The rear portion of the alignment ferrule (3) is dimensioned to extend out of the rear end of the second housing (2) a predetermined distance. A coupling nut (5) is slidable axially around the first housing (1) and the second housing (2) for coupling to a corresponding connector.

Abstract: A cable termination member (10) having improved strain relief features for isolating optical fiber members (21,22) in a terminated optical fiber cable (20) from external stresses.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector is shown with connector elements dimensioned and having material selected to accommodate thermal expansion to certain alignment of elements. Also, the elements are selected to accommodate compressive force to ensure a desired distribution of compressive forces between a ferrule and a fiber. The balancing ensures that the fiber and the ferrule retain a desired alignment with desired opposing forces. Also, a non-circular split sleeve of uniform wall thickness dimensions is provided to ensure uniform pressure distribution on a fiber ferrule. The split sleeve is also offset to accommodate offsetting tendencies of fibers being aligned within the split sleeve.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable retention system is disclosed for use in joining or terminating optical fiber cables having as a central core at least one optical fiber with said central core surrounded by a flexible strength member. The cable retention system comprises a pair of tapered and mating engagement components defining an engagement zone therebetween within which a portion of the flexible strength member of an optical fiber cable may be held in compressive engagement, and a band of elastomeric material of suitable dimension to reside in a groove in the male engagement member.

Abstract: A fiber optic terminus assembly for use in a fiber optic connector is disclosed in which a gripper element and a radially deformable ferrule are compressed into gripping engagement with the optical fiber portion of an optical cable. A terminus body and a contact sleeve engage the outer layer of the optical cable and the ferrule and position the fiber at a preselected distance from a lens surface.

Abstract: A terminus for an optical fiber cable (10) has a ferrule (22) with an endwall portion (24) including an axial opening (26) for receiving a glass fiber core. A ferrule central portion (28) is larger in cross-section than endwall portion (24) and the opposite end portion (32) is still larger. In assembly, the fiber jacket (16) or strain relief is peeled back over an underlying sleeve (34) and crimped within the opposite end portion (32). The central ferrule portion (28) has an internal sleeve (40) fitted over a section of the optical fiber with buffer tubing (14) and the ferrule is crimped in place. The fiber outer end portion consists of just the bare glass core (12) received within endwall opening (26).

Abstract: A method of attaching a connector to a fiber optic cable without using epoxy, wherein the fiber optic cable includes an outer jacket, a strength member, a buffer, and an optical fiber and wherein the connector includes a backpost, a tubular body, and a crimp sleeve having first and second diameter sections, comprising the steps of crimping the backpost and tubular body of the connector onto the buffer of the cable using a crimping tool and crimping the crimp sleeve onto the outer jacket and strength member using a crimping tool.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector (1) for an optical fiber cable (2), comprising; a strain relief (3) encircling the cable (2), a housing (4), and a fixture (5) attached to the strain relief (3), the fixture (5) interlocking with the housing (4) at a stationary position angularly pointing the strain relief (3) and the cable (2) relative to the housing (4).

Abstract: The present invention comprises a connector adapted to receive fiber cables. The connector comprises a housing including a first opening and a second opening which includes a first beveled portion. The connector further comprises a means for holding and aligning a cable and being adapted to slidably fit into the first opening, a wedge means adapted to slidably fit into the second opening, and means for fastening the wedge means to the housing. A means for preventing free rotation of the wedge means in absence of the holding and aligning means is also included. The second opening is machined such that the wedge means is forced against the holding and aligning means as the wedge means is moved into the second opening.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the assembly of an optical fiber termination that does not require adhesive applies a selected force characteristic over a selected displacement. The apparatus includes a holder element, a drive element, and a positioning element that directs the relative motion of the holder and drive elements. In operation, the holder element receives a partially assembled optical fiber termination including inner and outer elements and a compressive system. The drive element, guided by the positioning element, provides the force which presses the elements of the termination telescopically together. The telescoping of the two termination elements compresses the compressive system into mechanical engagement with the optical fiber. The pressing force has a limited maximal value to prevent undue stress or damage to the optical fiber.

Abstract: A push-pull optical fiber connector which is compatible with ST-type receptacles. The connector includes a hollow, cylindrical backbone, a ferrule holder located in one end of the backbone, a ferrule affixed to the ferrule holder, a clamp at the other end of the backbone securing the strength member of the optical fiber to the backbone, and two flexible arms attached to the outer surface of the backbone having apertures which latch onto the bayonet lugs of the ST receptacle. A housing is further provided which surrounds and slides over the backbone. The housing has two slots therein for accommodating the latch arms, and ramp surfaces proximate the slots for engaging the leading edge of the latch arms. After the connector has been attached to the ST receptacle, it may be disconnected by simply pulling on the housing. The ramp surfaces then contact the latch arms, raising them and disengaging them from the receptacle lugs.

Abstract: A fiber-optic connector for a cable with an optical fiber. The connector includes a first backpost having an exteriorly threaded forward portion, a rearward portion attachable to the cable, and a central passageway extending therethrough. The connector further has a body with a forward end portion, an interiorly threaded rearward end portion, and a central passageway extending therethrough. The body threads have a pitch diameter and pitch thread which mate with the threads of the first backpost. A second backpost is positioned within the body central passageway, and has a forward end portion which holds a ferrule in position, and a rearward end portion which extends through a rearward opening in the body and into a forward opening of the first backpost.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel fiber optic conduit-connector assembly for passing optical fibers between optoelectronic component housings. In one preferred embodiment, the conduit comprises a flexible, crush resistant and fluid resistant inner tube adapted for enclosing at least one optical fiber, a layer of electromagnetic shielding surrounding the inner tube, and an outer pressure tight layer surrounding the shielding layer. A connector adapted to allow at least one optical fiber to pass therethrough is fixedly attached to at least one end of the conduit by first stripping away the end portion of the outer layer of the conduit, inserting the inner tube of the conduit into one end of the connector and wrapping the shielding layer around the outer surface of the connector end. A thermofit ring is placed over the steel braiding and secures the braiding to the connector upon application of heat to the thermofit ring.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable connection for high pressure environments utilizes a er optic cable having (i) a multiplicity of fiber optic strands extending axially therein, (ii) a strength member extending axially in spaced relationship thereabout, (iii) an outer jacket, and (iv) a filler matrix within the strength member and in which the strands are encased, a precision connector with an inner face having an axially extending recess and with axially extending passages extending from the transverse wall of the recess to the outer face of the connector member and through which the fiber optic strands extend. A preload insert member is disposed about the strands with its outer end extending into the recess of the connector and a peripheral shoulder abutting the inner face of the connector member. The strength member of the cable is disposed about extending the reduced diameter portion of the insert member.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector for terminating and providing strain relief on an optical fiber cable having an inner fiber, an outer jacket and longitudinal strength material therebetween. A housing has a rear input end into which the fiber, stripped of the outer jacket, extends, along with a front termination end. The rear input end of the housing is externally threaded and about which the longitudinal strength material is positionable. An internally threaded strain relief member is provided and through which the cable extends. The strain relief member is threadable onto the externally threaded rear input end of the housing to clamp the longitudinal strength material directly between the threads of the housing and the strain relief member. Grooves span the threads of the housing to prevent at least some of the longitudinal strength material from spiralling with the threads when the strain relief member is threaded onto the housing.

Abstract: A joint for an optical cable has a tapered hollow insert (26) with high friction surfaces (26D) so that after jointing the optical package, the cable strength members (6A 6B) can be clamped onto the high friction surfaces of the insert by a wedging action. The surfaces prevent strength members moving axially and imposing longitudinal strain on the jointed package, and the arrangement is such that the differential strain between the strength member layers are minimized if not eliminated.